LEXINGTON, Ky. As its top advocacy for this year, the National Tour Association wants to inform the presidential candidates about critical travel issues and push for the creation of a director of travel/tourism in the White House.

The NTA also is working to generate more cooperation among its industry partners to address issues affecting the industry.

Here, as determined by the NTA board of directors, are several of the associations top priorities for 2008:

Presidential candidate outreach and creation of a director of travel/tourism in the White House. NTA is working to emphasize the importance of travel and tourism to the presidential candidates, as part of its larger goal to establish an executive office of travel and tourism.

NTA has contacted the 2008 presidential candidates to make them aware of travel-related issues that concern Americans and to share with the candidates what they can do to address them.

Travel laws, regulations and passenger protection. NTA will continue to keep a close watch on regulations impacting the industry and all travelers.

Taxes and fees. NTA strongly opposes increased travel and tourism taxes, especially if the revenue is targeted to go to the general fund or toward deficit reduction. The only positive travel industry taxes are those that are "invested" in tourism promotion, infrastructure development and job creation.

U.S. entry and exit issues. NTA will continue to help the federal government find ways to reduce visa delays, improve access at ports-of-entry, and address other issues creating negative perceptions about visiting the United States, while maintaining the highest possible levels of security.

National Parks: Access, fees and voluntourism. Last year, NTA secured a re-commitment from the National Park Service to give tour operators ample notice of any fee increases. NTA will work with NPS this year on group price structures. NTA also will work with the organization to ensure equal access, enhance their environmental programs and to initiate a voluntourism program with 40 national park sites.

Travel Promotion Act of 2007. NTA is working with the Travel Industry Association on many issues related to the Discover America Partnership, including the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 (H.R. 3232/S. 1661), which would create the Corporation for Travel Promotion. This nonprofit organization would provide funding necessary for the United States to promote itself as a destination to international markets.

"NTA has never been more strongly positioned to make change happen," said NTA Chairman and CEO Bob Hoelscher, CTP. He cited the work of NTA Legislative Counsel Jim Santini, NTA Public Affairs Advocate Steve Richer, CTP, and the newly expanded Grassroots Action Network."